George Bailey: What is it you
want, Mary? What do you want? You want the moon? Just say the word and I'll
throw a lasso around it and pull it down. Hey. That's a pretty good idea. I'll
give you the moon, Mary.
 |
| Director: Frank Capra (1946) |
Since I purchased the Blu Ray of It’s a
Wonderful Life last year, it’s safe to say that I’m going to get my moneys
worth out of it. Like many folk, I intend, and so far have managed to watch it
every Christmas without fail. The reasons for this are simple, It’s a Wonderful
Life is both an excellent film and quite easily the greatest Christmas film of
all time.
The film opens with a multitude of
establishing shots of the town of Bedford falls. While many films would be
content with a single shot to establish the scene, Director Frank Capra does so
with such subtle, yet deliberate intent. This small American town is the home
of quite possibly the most selfless man ever committed to celluloid, George
Bailey (James Stewart). A man with an ambition to travel the world, we witness
his life in a framed narrative being narrated by angels who are educating
fellow angel Clarence (Henry Travers) on George’s life. He’s a man pushed to
his very limit, contemplating suicide to help his business and family survive
after his dim-witted uncle Billy (Thomas Mitchell) loses 8,000 dollars of the company’s
cash. We see George grow up, how he saved his brother’s life and Boss’s (H.B
Warner) career, his relationships and backbone in standing up to the evil and cold
hearted Mr Potter (Lionel Barrymore), a greedy villain who wishes to take over
Bedford falls and make everyone's lives a misery, all to make his pockets
richer.
It’s without a doubt that the love for IAWL
comes from its endearing sentiment. While such a claim is often viewed as
criticism to a film, Capra imbues his masterpiece with genuine honesty and
emotion. No moment is ever forced, and as sweet as it is, the reaction it draws
from its audience is refreshingly real. This is coupled with a slew of
unforgettable scenes are scattered throughout the film. The high school
graduation dance, the run of the bank and the proceeding dinner, the appearance
of Georges guardian angel, the empowering, cynicism melting ending; ask ten
different people what their favourite scene is and getting 10 different answers
is very much a guarantee.
It’s a Wonderful Life is a film of 2
distinct parts. The first is the meatiest, we view George’s life and the affect
that he has on his loved ones and on the residents of Bedford Falls. This is in
no small part thanks to James Stewart’s excellent performance. He captures the
character perfectly, making every emotion and action that George does feel wholly
authentic. When walking future wife Mary (Donna Reed) home from her graduation
dance, George asks earnestly “What is it you want, Mary? What do you
want? You want the moon? Just say the word and I'll throw a lasso around it and
pull it down. Hey. That's a pretty good idea. I'll give you the moon, Mary” and
we believe him for every word of it.
The second part begins upon the arrival of George’s
angel Clarence just moments from George attempting to end his life. Through an
act of god we’re whisked off to an alternate reality where George never existed,
with George being shown the affect that he has had on the lives of others. While
those who complain that IAWL devolves into overtly religious preaching about
the sanctity of life have a strong argument, it’s almost entirely nullified by how
truly effective these scenes are. While said religious tones are very obvious,
Capra doesn’t try to ram these beliefs down the throat of his audience, thus
allowing the film to be loved even by the staunchest of atheists.
By the time the emotional and touching ending roles
around the films niggling flaws, most notably the sloppy editing, can be
overlooked. It’s a Wonderful Life is undoubtedly the greatest Christmas film of
all time, and considering its near universal appeal, one of the best films ever
as well.
9
No comments:
Post a Comment